PentaStars - July 2014

Rodger's eye-grabbing E-Body is the result of over 3,000 man-hours of work to bring it into the shape you see here. You can barely see the Top Banana rear Bumblebee stripe, which Rodger says is factory correct, as is the Go Mango paint on the rest of the body, which was shaved of its side marker lights, mirrors and door handles.

Underneath is a 383 bored and stroked to 489 inches. Behind that is a Tremec five-speed and a Strange S-60 rear end with a 3.55-geared Eaton TrueTrac differential. Chassis highlights include 13-inch Baer disc brakes at each corner, with 18-inch five-spoke wheels and low profile tires all around.

Inside, there's a custom suede and leather interior that also boasts a custom center console and dash—the latter with a set of Mooneyes gauges keeping their eyes on the stroker's functions.

Since completion, Rodger's shown his Challenger at many shows, scoring awards at each event, including the "Slick & Smooth Pick" at Goodguys' Nashville Nationals.

3/10

Northwest Fish

4/10

Who: Rob Bearden

Where: Boise, Idaho

What: '71 Plymouth Barracuda hardtop

Rob bought his '71 in the late '70s while in high school, and it's been his ever since—first as a 360/727-powered daily driver, and then with a 340 under the hood that's seen several different versions since 1981.

That's the engine in it now, which currently runs ported J-heads topped by an Edelbrock Torker 340/600 cfm four-barrel combo, with a Mopar Orange box ignition, Six Pack camshaft, and factory 340 high-performance exhaust manifolds. Backing it is an American Powertrain five-speed and a 3.55-geared 83⁄4 rear end. It's a combination that ran an average speed of 100.551 mph in the 2013 Silver State Classic Challenge open-road race.

Outside, Rob did the needed resto bodywork years ago, while inside it's all original inside, except for the steering wheel from a Dodge Warlock pickup, Auto Custom Carpets carpeting, and a front seat re-done in OEM material by Brian Kerns of Carson City, Nevada.

5/10

Over the years—and through several cross-country moves—Rob kept his '71, and says that growing up with a Barracuda is an experience that few people ever get.

6/10

South Texas Screamer

Who: Dustin Twitchell

Where: Harlingen, Texas

What: '73 Plymouth Duster

Dustin's '73 Duster started out as a Gold Duster, but when he got it, it had a tired 360 under the hood, along with an equally-tired 7¾ rear and 904 Torqueflite.

Now, he's running a fresh 360 in it, one that puts out 500 lb-ft of torque and 300 hp. The 904 was rebuilt, and joined in the powertrain by a 489-case 8¾ rear, with a 4.10-geared Sure Grip inside.

Other mods include a gas cap that's counter-sunk into the left quarter panel, "Mopar" lettering to the dash and embroidered Mopar "M" logos on the front seats, a new headliner, and door panels that he made.

Outside, he blacked out the bumpers, grille, wheels and scooped hood, and added black stripes on each side. (If only the Gold Duster package included these way back when!)

7/10

On The Move

8/10

Who: Dave Biaggi

Where: Waldorf, Maryland

What: '72 Dodge Dart Swinger

Dave sent along the pictures and info for his Swinger before a move south to St. Pete Beach, Florida, over the winter, a move that included this awesome A-Body.

That's a Muscle Motors–built 416-inch LA-engine under the hood, backed by an Eddie Bolton–built 727 with a 3,000-stall converter and a narrowed Moser/Dana rear end.

With 443 horsepower and 488 lb-ft of torque, the unibody needed structural help, which it got, via a set of Mopar frame connectors. The chassis includes a Mancini Racing rear suspension with Assassin bars, mini-tubs and Wilwood brakes.

9/10

Outside, the Swinger's finished in black with a candy Tangerello-colored rear stripe, and Legendary carpets cover the floors inside.

10/10

How to be in Pentastar Send images of your ride, along with all the information about your ride, and we'll make you a STAR. Remember to include ALL your information, even where you're from. Send your digital images (at least 300 dpi) and information to mopar.muscle@sorc.com; or snail mail your print images and info. to Mopar Muscle Magazine C/O PentaSTARS, 9036 Brittany Way, Tampa, FL 33619. Send us a good quality front 3/4 shot (think feature shot), and an interior and engine bay shot.